

Join Us in France Travel Podcast
Annie Sargent
Planning a trip to France? Join Us in France is the podcast for you! On this podcast we have conversations about our trips to France, chat with tour guides, share tips on French culture, the basics of French history, explain how to be savvy traveler in France and share our love of French food, wine and destinations in France.
You won’t want to miss out on all these great conversations about one of the most beautiful countries on earth! Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. And if you're planning your own trip soon - start listening now so you're ready to connect to France on a deeper level. Bon voyage!
You won’t want to miss out on all these great conversations about one of the most beautiful countries on earth! Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode. And if you're planning your own trip soon - start listening now so you're ready to connect to France on a deeper level. Bon voyage!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2023 • 56min
African Americans in Paris, Episode 426
African Americans have been present in Paris for centuries, with a significant number of them living in the city during the early 20th century. Many were artists, writers, and musicians who were drawn to the city's cultural scene. The period between the two World Wars is often referred to as the "Harlem Renaissance in Paris" because of the number of Black artists, writers, and musicians who lived and worked there at the time. They were part of a larger community of expatriates, which included many other Americans and Europeans. This period saw the emergence of jazz and the birth of the literary genre of the "Negro novel". Some famous Black Americans in Paris during this time include James Baldwin, Josephine Baker, and Duke Ellington. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:39] Today on the podcast [00:01:11] Podcast supporters [00:01:59] After the interview [00:02:35] Newsletter [00:02:59] Annie and Masika [00:03:15] The African American experience in Paris [00:04:21] Paris: A place to feel at home [00:06:01] James Baldwin’s books [00:07:13] Paris: Authors’ hangout [00:08:07] African – American History in Paris [00:10:30] Josephine Baker, places to visit [00:13:46] Josephine Baker at the Pantheon [00:15:04] Favorite places in Paris [00:15:41] Mrs. Beyonce Knowles Carter [00:16:18] Rick Steve’s tour [00:18:04] National museums free entry on first Sunday of the month [00:22:13] What do you recommend people do and see when they come to Paris? [00:23:00] Going to the grocey store [00:23:30] Smaller apartments in Europe [00:24:35] Completely different dining out experience [00:27:30] Moving to France [00:29:46] What she’s looking forward to visiting [00:31:09] Learn as much French as you can [00:33:48] Thank you patrons [00:34:11] New patrons [00:34:22] Preparing a trip to France? [00:34:37] Itinerary consult [00:35:21] Self-guided tours [00:35:50] Annie and Patricia Perry talk about restaurants around the Eiffel Tower [00:36:17] Restaurants we visited [00:37:18] L’Ami Jean [00:42:12] La Fontaine de Mars [00:44:31] L’Auberge Bressane [00:45:58] Aux Cerises [00:49:30] Restaurants on the Eiffel Tower [00:50:13] Tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower [00:52:37] Show notes and transcript [00:53:11] Next week on the podcast [00:53:40] Copyright #africanAmericans, #africanamericanhistory, #AfricanAmericanArtist, africanAmericanAuthor, #africanamericanstars, #africanAmericansinParis

Jan 22, 2023 • 57min
Vauban Fortifications in France, Episode 425
In this episode of the podcast, Elyse Rivin and Annie Sargent talk about Vauban and his life, but also about where you can go to see Vauban fortifications in France. Many of them are listed as World Heritage Sites and they make a wonderful backdrop for your vacation photos! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:38] Today on the podcast [00:01:15] Podcast supporters [00:02:29] Annie and Elyse about Vauban [00:03:05] Vauban was a major figure in the 17th centrury [00:03:42] Petite noblesse vs noblesse de robe [00:04:40] The greatest love – the land [00:05:37] Military genius [00:06:20] Innovation with defenses [00:08:56] Vauban enrolled in the army at age 17 [00:09:47] Vauban the foot soldier with a keen eye for observation [00:10:12] Let’s not be sitting ducks [00:11:44] Vauban gets noticed [00:12:30] Vauban fights for the King [00:14:21] Vauban is promoted to engineer [00:15:41] Rewarded by the King [00:16:17] Vauban gets married [00:17:20] Vauban begins his career [00:19:09] Vauban wanted to spare the lives of soldiers [00:21:24] Defending the borders of France [00:23:47] Vauban established the “natural borders” of France [00:24:47] Vauban, the mathematician. [00:26:43] Working out how many provisions an army needed [00:29:26] Vauban, the human being [00:30:33] At the end of his life, Vauban wrote La Dîme Royale [00:30:54] A new system of taxation to be fair with the poor [00:32:41] Vaban is banished from court [00:35:19] Vauban travelled a lot through France [00:36:39] Vauban was interested in everything [00:39:18] UNESCO World Heritage Sites linked to Vauban [00:40:32] Scale models of Vauban fortifications at Les Invalides in Paris [00:44:04] Outro[00:44:04] Patrons and supporters [00:44:33] Preparing a trip to France? [00:45:55] This week in French News [00:47:48] Personal update this week [00:48:50] How do I write a tour? [00:54:08] Next week on the podcast [00:54:32] Copyright

Jan 15, 2023 • 54min
A Dream Trip to France Becomes a Reality, Episode 424
My guest on today's trip report is Nicole Morin Scribner. She was born in Quebec and moved to the United States when she was 6. She always dreamed about visiting France and made her dream trip to France a reality in the summer of 2022. Discussed in this Episode Check out the town of Blere Biking in the Loire Valley One-way bike rentals with OuiBike Stop at train crossings Don't speed at all or you'll get a ticket Eat at French meal times Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Intro [00:00:39] Today on the podcast [00:01:31] Podcast supporters [00:02:23] Newsletter [00:02:54] Dream to Reality [00:03:56] Finding your roots in France [00:05:17] Tracing the ancestors [00:07:20] Visiting the ancestors’ house [00:08:10] Bringing the aunts along[00:08:10] Bringing the elderly aunts along [00:09:17] Immigrating to Canada [00:10:17] The French Canadian Podcast [00:11:11] What else did they do on the trip? [00:11:44] Biking [00:12:13] When was the trip? [00:12:23] Car rental [00:13:17] Chambord [00:13:58] Renting a bike [00:15:28] Car rental places are not open on weekends generally [00:16:08] OuiBike is national bike rental company [00:17:14] Parisian French and Canadian French [00:18:32] Returning to France [00:19:52] Biking around Loire Valley [00:22:02] Check restaurant schedules [00:22:50] Be careful at train crossings [00:23:58] Follow the speed limits [00:25:27] Eat at meal times [00:26:30] Getting the train [00:27:24] Trains sell out fast in France, especially around holidays [00:28:34] Seeing the Eiffel Tower [00:31:48] Visiting the museums [00:34:34] Getting around Paris [00:35:45] e-bikes [00:36:10] What she didn’t like about Paris [00:36:16] Big ads over buildings in Paris [00:37:49] Where are the people in the villages? [00:38:44] What else did she enjoy? [00:39:42] Book recommendation [00:42:31] Outro [00:42:58] New patrons [00:43:07] Preparing a trip to France? [00:44:02] Self-guided tours [00:44:43] Expect strikes in early 2023 and how to deal with them [00:48:43] Personal update [00:50:39] If you love this podcast share the new trailer on your own timeline! [00:51:52] Next week on the podcast [00:52:21] Copyright More episodes about visiting France for the first time #FrenchCanadian, #Genealogy, #Dreams, #FamilyConnections #Travel, #FrenchOrigins, #Podcast

Jan 8, 2023 • 59min
Dog Poop and Other Problems Suffered in France, Episode 423
There are tropes about France that will not die. So today, Annie and Elyse chat about dog poop and other problems suffered in France. Of course, the conversation we're commenting on took place on Facebook because where else can you find so many vocal yet uninformed people? So, we're having a little bit of fun with it while explaining a few things that are different in France from what English-speaking visitors expect. Is there zero dog poop problem in France? It is difficult to determine the extent of the dog poop problem in France, but we can tell you with certainty that it has gotten a lot better! Like any country, France has some areas where dog owners do not properly clean up after their pets. Please don't blame the whole country, it's that dog owner's fault! A few things you should know about France French people are not raised to think that they have to say yes to everything. It is a fact that French people don't generally sugarcoat their words. Plastic bags are not free in France the way they are at the grocery store in the US. If you need a bag, buy it or buy some small item plus a plastic bag. Don't be a "virtuous visitor" who knows better than locals and will show them the way to being a better person. Learn how things work in the country you're visiting instead. France has changed at lot, even if the impressions you still have from your first visit 20 years ago are still vivid in your mind. Please refrain from psycho analyzing people you don't know on Facebook! French parents give their kids room to grow and experience life, they don't over-protect so much. You are not entitled to France being the same as where home is. It's a different country, learn local customs instead. France is very dog-friendly, but there are few dog parks. This may be best because dog parks can be the place where dogs fight or share pathogens. You can't sit at a café all day working away on your laptop unless it's a café for students or workers. Crowd control measures are put in place for your safety, if the police closes a metro station or a street, please comply. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:53] Today on the Podcast [00:02:10] Trip to Strasbourg [00:02:26] Podcast supporters [00:03:13] Annie and Elyse [00:04:36] She wouldn’t give me a bag [00:12:45] It’s much better than in the past [00:15:23] Children are “barely tolerated” [00:17:50] Bonjour first [00:19:56] Feeling of entitlement [00:20:55] Is France dog-friendly? [00:23:17] Hunting Dogs from Gascogne [00:23:52] Hunting dogs from Vendeen [00:24:24] Hunting dogs from other regions of France [00:24:50] A few hunting dogs from France [00:25:53] Working dogs [00:26:14] War Dogs [00:26:41] Companion Dogs [00:27:16] Evolving attitudes about dogs in France [00:28:41] Dogs in the city keep us in contact with nature [00:29:36] Dogs in apartments and walking [00:31:14] Experience with dogs in a recent visit to Tennessee [00:33:18] Service dogs in France [00:34:39] What visitors would like [00:36:10] Can you bring your laptop to the cafe? [00:38:12] Crowd control measures [00:39:37] Breakfast at French hotels [00:40:49] Don’t bring your dog to France unless you’re moving here [00:42:28] Thank you Patrons [00:43:38] Thank you Donors [00:44:12] Itinerary Consult / VoiceMap tours [00:45:57] Five Days around Strasbourg at Christmas [00:56:04] Shownotes and Transcript [00:56:51] Copyright #dogs, #doglover, #doglife, #doggy, #doggo, #dogscorner, #dogmom, #dogwalk, #dogtraining, #servicedog

Jan 1, 2023 • 46min
Going Back to Paris as a Family, Episode 422
Going back to Paris is always a wonderful experience. The city is filled with so much history, culture, and beauty, with its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, its charming streets and neighborhoods, and its world-renowned museums and art galleries. There is always something new to discover in Paris, whether it's trying a new restaurant or café, exploring a new neighborhood, or attending a cultural event. The city is also known for its fashion, food, and wine, making it a truly unforgettable destination. Every time I visit Paris, I am struck by its timeless charm and elegance, and I can't wait to go back again and see what new adventures the city has in store for me. On today's episode Annie Sargent chats with Elsa Acevedo about her family going back to Paris with her husband and 4 children. They went to all the places you would suspect and a few that will surprise you. Was it a good time? Click play and let Elsa explain! Table of Contents with links to the transcript [00:00:29] Today on the podcast [00:01:42] English Trifle [00:02:19] Podcast supporters [00:03:09] Interview with Elsa [00:03:28] The family [00:04:14] The length of the visit [00:04:44] When did the trip take place? [00:04:50] Favourite things they did [00:05:02] Versailles [00:06:11] Extra ‘serenade’ experience [00:07:27] Arc de Triomphe [00:09:14] Where were they staying? [00:10:30] Metro card [00:11:38] Eiffel Tower [00:12:47] Louvre Museum [00:13:12] Napoleon’s Apartments [00:15:26] Disneyland Paris [00:17:17] Disneyland Tips [00:18:44] Musée de l’Armée [00:22:27] Musée de L’Orangerie [00:23:53] Museum of Natural History [00:25:14] The Catacombs [00:26:52] Opéra Garnier [00:27:42] Tips and Tricks for Families [00:28:38] How many hours were they out? [00:30:46] Reservations and Tickets [00:35:09] Learn a little bit of French [00:35:45] Metro cards [00:37:01] Getting around [00:38:05] Flash Invaders [00:38:46] Plan if your kids get lost [00:40:02] Always have an alternative plan [00:41:28] Differences from the last visit [00:43:46] Copyright More episodes about family travel in France #paris, #familytime, #familygoal, #travelfamily

Dec 25, 2022 • 52min
Rookie Mistakes Visitors Make in France, Episode 421
There are several rookie mistakes visitors make in France, especially if they are visiting for the first time. Annie Sargent asked the Join Us in France Group in Facebook what mistakes they made and they came up with 32 fantastic observations that you need to know about so you don't make the same mistakes! Table of Contents for 'Rookie Mistakes Visitors Make in France' with links to the text transcript [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:31] Today on the podcast [00:01:14] No news this week [00:01:45] Podcast supporters [00:03:06] Annie and Elyse [00:03:17] 32 Rookie Mistakes [00:03:43] 1. Don’t Overschedule your day [00:05:55] 2. Self-cleaning toilets [00:07:10] 3. Good Manners [00:09:56] 4. Comfortable shoes [00:10:47] 5. Buy it if you want it [00:11:23] 6. Eat at French standard time [00:13:51] 7 Avoid the crowds [00:15:24] 8. Andouillette is not a small American andouille sausage [00:16:16] 9. Don’t expect busy Parisians to stop and chat [00:17:12] 10. Don’t presume the waiter will bring you the bill as soon as you’re done eating [00:18:31] 11. Bonjour or Bonsoir after 6PM [00:19:29] 12. Don’t get angry if there are transportation problems [00:20:44] 13. Do not say “Tu” to a stranger if that person is not clearly under 10 [00:23:47] 14. Visit Paris first [00:25:50] 16. It’s a mistake not to try the daily special at restaurants [00:27:19] 17. Understand how trains work [00:28:00] 18. Not understanding French restaurant etiquette [00:28:31] 19. It’s a mistake to take a hideous. Package tour rather than organize your own trip [00:30:46] 20. Have a travel pack in your bag [00:31:35] 21. Beware of cyclists and electric scooters [00:33:59] 22. Being worried that you are going to look like a tourist [00:35:56] 23. Don’t over pack. [00:37:08] 24. Ice for your drinks [00:38:10] 25 Keep your train tickets [00:39:29] 26 Get the waiter’s attention [00:40:44] 27. Trusting the GPS too much [00:43:07] 28. Don’t worry about finding cash [00:45:12] 29. Understanding how tipping woks in Francew [00:45:49] 30. Use Apple Pay or Google Pay [00:47:19] 31. Don’t talk so loud [00:48:18] 32 Don’t underestimate people’s kindness [00:50:12] Copyright More episodes for first-time visitors #rookiemistake, #rookiefrance, #visitors, #touristlife, #parisjetaime, #paristips, #parisknowhow, #joinusinfrance Support the Show Tip Your Guides Extras Patreon Audio Tours Merchandise If you enjoyed this episode, you should also listen to related episode(s): A Cornucopia of Bizarre French Foods, Episode 193 Tipping and 10 Things You Didn't Know About France, Episode 91

Dec 18, 2022 • 56min
A Jewish Perspective on Paris, Episode 420
Trip Report: A Jewish Perspective on Paris On today's Trip Report, Shmuel Perl shares his experiences in Paris and explains that the Marais is not the only place where he found Jewish culture in Paris! After the interview Annie shares an update on Dicey Paris neighborhood and on what Paris is like on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Plus a bit of French news! Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:28] Today on the podcast [00:01:47] Podcast support [00:03:07] A Jewish perspective on Paris [00:03:29] First visit to France [00:04:12] When was the trip? [00:05:18] Experiencing Jewish Paris, the Marais and more [00:06:46] Shoah Museum [00:08:00] Allée des Justes [00:08:19] Where do you go to see Jewish Paris today? [00:08:35] Museum of Art and History of Judaism [00:10:15] Modern Jewish life is in the 17th Arrondissement [00:11:33] Favorite kosher restaurants [00:13:36] An authentic Jewish Pastry in the Marais [00:14:45] How long was the visit? [00:15:42] French-Jewish Food Influences [00:17:17] Hotel near a Synagogue [00:20:49] Experienced any antisemitism? [00:25:28] Areas they enjoyed the most [00:27:11] Vedettes du Pont Neuf [00:28:01] Photoshoot at Trocadero [00:28:52] Arc de Triomphe [00:29:51] Montmartre tour [00:31:59] Candora Perfume Workshop [00:33:00] Parselle Leopold-Sedar-Senghor [00:34:35] Don’t do the love-lock thing [00:35:25] How did Paris feel to you? [00:39:54] Outro [00:41:00] Preparing a trip to France? [00:42:41] Crack cocaine in Paris [00:45:44] What YOU can do to avoid dicey neighborhoods in Paris in 2022 [00:48:21] Christmas in Paris [00:50:44] This week in French news [00:51:31] Free condoms for folks under 25 in France [00:52:30] Show notes More episodes about visiting Paris for the first time #jewish, #jewishfood, #jewishlife, #jewishholiday, #jewishquarter, #jewishmuseum, #jewishcommunity, #jewishtradition, #joinusinfrance

Dec 11, 2022 • 49min
Lavaur in Occitanie, Episode 419
Today's episode is an episode with Elyse Rivin about the town of Lavaur in Occitanie. Elyse and I went in September, and you know what? It's a cute small city of abour 11,000 inhabitants. We had a great time. It's a lovely town that attracts a lot of people who look to live in quiet area not too far from a major city. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:46] Podcast supporters [00:03:19] Annie and Elyse [00:03:24] Lavaur, Tarn Department [00:04:29] Lavaur today, town or city? [00:05:23] Happy people of Lavaur [00:06:52] O Temps des Saveurs, Epicerie Fine [00:07:52] Excellent Organic Food Market [00:09:05] St Alain Cathedral [00:09:59] Lavaur is famous for its Jacquemart (bellstriker) [00:13:13] St François Church [00:14:10] Taking care of their churches and houses [00:15:43] A lot of events and cultural activities [00:17:01] Municipal Museum and Mediatheque [00:19:38] Silk production in Lavaur [00:21:03] A step back in history [00:22:04] Guiraude, the Lady of Lavaur [00:31:05] The Food and Wines of Lavaur [00:32:10] Garlic Soup [00:33:47] Lavaur is great for people who want to get away from massive tourism [00:35:27] Outro [00:35:44] New patrons [00:37:05] Preparing a trip to France? [00:37:18] Itinerary consults [00:37:50] Self-guided tours [00:38:09] Visiting France in winter months [00:40:14] French Health System [00:42:03] In France patients are in charge of their records [00:44:58] ChatGPT [00:45:33] This week in French news [00:46:01] Show notes and transcript [00:46:24] Next week on the podcast Episode Notes | Show Notes | Transcript

Dec 4, 2022 • 1h 1min
First Visit to France as a Solo Traveler, Episode 418
Casey Armistead had her first visit to France as a solo traveler. You might think that someone who's coming to France for the first time is likely to stay in Paris the whole time or might have a limited itinerary. Not Casey! She wanted to see a lot more of France and she used trains and car rentals to see all the places she had in mind. Listen to hear about all the wonderful places she went. In this episode, Annie also discusses the 10 most cost efficient places to live in France as reported by Le Parisien newspaper. Episode Page | Guest Notes | Episode Transcript Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:35] Today on the podcast [00:01:05] Podcast supporters [00:01:23] News update [00:02:06] First Visit to France as a Solo Traveler [00:02:14] Solo traveling [00:04:21] Begining the trip in Paris [00:04:58] Petite Beloy Hotel [00:05:39] Walking for hours in Paris [00:08:08] Latin Quarter walking tour [00:09:37] Dinner Cruise on Le Calife [00:12:25] Tulleries, Orangerie, Petite Palace [00:12:44] Audio Tour at the Orangerie [00:13:10] Petit Palais [00:13:31] Rodin Museum [00:14:14] Sacré Coeur [00:16:14] Montmartre [00:16:55] Lots of walking! [00:17:34] Walking to the Opera House [00:18:48] Safe as a solo traveler on the streets of Paris [00:19:14] Tips on taking the train in France [00:21:34] Renting a car at the Aix train station [00:22:40] Driving through Aix-en-Provence [00:25:46] La Maison de Marie B&B [00:28:40] Kayak experience from Collias in the Gard [00:30:28] Free music concerts for Fête de la Musique on June 21 [00:30:58] Avignon [00:33:40] Lavender fields in Sault [00:34:46] Buying gas in France [00:35:13] Horse back riding tour [00:35:56] Forcalquier [00:37:44] Tips for other solo visitors and first time visitors to France [00:40:29] Outro[00:40:29] Thank you, patrons [00:40:49] New patrons [00:41:04] Garlic soup [00:41:33] Preparing a trip to France? [00:42:25] Self-guided tours [00:43:02] The French baguette [00:45:13] Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the US [00:47:15] Electric cars conundrum [00:49:31] Europe is very disparate [00:50:13] Great places to live in France [00:56:31] Personal update [00:57:23] Show notes and transcript [00:58:07] Next week on the podcast

Nov 27, 2022 • 43min
A visit to Lautrec in the Tarn, Episode 417
Bonjour Francophiles ! Today Annie Sargent and Meredith Wheeler introduce you to the lovely village of Lautrec in the Tarn. Lautrec is famous for its garlic festival which happens the first weekend of every August. They really love garlic in Lautrec (who doesn't?) so, the local food specialty is garlic soup. It is possible you have never had garlic soup. Having tried it for the first time myself recently in Lautrec, I can attest to the fact that garlic soup is surprisingly delicious. It is also easy to make, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're trying to shed some weight. I'll share a recipe with my Patrons because the recipes I am finding on-line are not like what I had in Lautrec. Lautrec also boasts a gorgeous windmill and is at the heart of the area sometimes named "Pays de Cocagne." It has the reputation of being a paradise on earth. It is gorgeous and Meredith and her husband, Robin Ellis fell in love with the area many years ago and made it their permanent residence. Table of Contents for "A visit to Lautrec in the Tarn" [00:00:00] Intro [00:00:37] Today on the podcast [00:01:32] Podcast supporters [00:02:23] New patron shoutout [00:03:13] Thinking of booking an itinerary consult? [00:04:25] Lautrec in the Tarn [00:05:22] A brief history of Lautrec [00:08:12] Why did you choose to move to Lautrec? [00:09:53] The Garlic Festival in Lautrec [00:11:00] The Garlic Festival is on the first weekend of August [00:12:55] Buying Lautrec Garlic [00:13:26] The Garlic Soup [00:15:38] How did you learn French? [00:18:00] Involvement in community [00:18:35] Lautrec, the land of Pastel [00:20:32] Places to visit in Lautrec [00:22:06] The markets in the area [00:23:34] Renovating an old house [00:26:40] Buying furniture at brocantes [00:28:54] Anything not to like in Lautrec? [00:29:54] Train Station in Lautrec [00:31:27] Castres is a great place too [00:32:30] Favorite local wines: Gaillac has gotten really good! [00:34:47] Retire to Lautrec [00:35:51] Go talk to a Notaire if you’re looking for property to buy [00:36:10] Lautrec welcomes new residents and young families [00:37:51] Internet access can attract younger people #Lautrec81, #Occitanie, #France, #Joinusinfrance